9 Common Places Where Mold Likes to Form
In order for mold to grow, moisture needs to be present. While we might suspect mold to grow in moist, dark basements, other areas of the home might not be as suspecting. Keep reading to learn about the most common places for mold to form in your home. Be sure you know what to look for to prevent your family from experiencing mold related health issues.
Probably the most common of places to find mold is in the basement, cellar or crawl space. When a building floods, the lowest level gets the brunt of the water damage. In addition, basements are typically cold and dark, presenting the opportunity for mold to thrive is moisture gets down there. There's typically not great air circulation in a basement, making it difficult to dry out.
Think about the areas of your home where water (and moisture) is most prevalent. The bathroom and the kitchen probably come to mind. Between the sink, shower and toilet, there's no avoiding moisture in the bathroom. Therefore, it's vital that you have proper air circulation in your bathroom. The same applies for the kitchen. Whether it's steam from the shower or from cooking on the stove, that evaporating water can lead to unwanted moisture and an environment for mold to form.
Many homes do not have proper ventilation, which can lead to moisture build up in the attic. Where there is prolonged moisture, mold is likely to grow. Improper insulation and/or vents that are vented to the attic instead of outside can both cause excess moisture to build up in the attic.
The drip pans used to collect condensation for refrigerators are rarely seen, but they are the perfect environment for mold to start and spread. There's not a lot of air circulation underneath or behind the refrigerator. Condensation can easily build up, creating the dark, moist environment that mold loves.
Condensation is also common on air-conditioning units. That moisture mixed with the dirt and pollen that the AC unit sucks in creates an attractive place for mold to form. Machines that sit for a long time without being used will be most likely to contain mold spores.
Windows are constantly subject to moisture from condensation. Typically the only time window sills get decent air flow is during the warmer months, when they open to let fresh air in. This creates a prime place for mold to start to grow and spread onto the walls. In addition, the dirt that accumulates in the grooves of the window sill supplies the mold with a food source so they can grow faster.
Moisture from concrete floors or wet crawl spaces can evaporate up into your carpet pad and eventually your carpet. If you notice your carpet is damp, and you didn't just spill something on it, you likely have mold already growing underneath it. This is why if your home floods, it's important to remove the wet carpet immediately; mold is inevitable in that situation.
Similar to the refrigerator issues, washing machines offer an environment for mold to develop as well. They are typically stored in dark closets or small rooms that don't typically have a lot of air circulation. Moisture from a leak in the unit or the water line, around the connections, can lead to excess moisture. In addition, the gasket is constantly wet and doesn't have an opportunity to dry out with the door closed, which can lead to mold inside the washing machine.
Depending on how well your chimney is capped off, this is an area that can also see some mold growth. Uncapped chimneys can take in a good amount of rain water and snow. Plus leaves and other organic materials can also get in there to help create the perfect conditions for mold growth. The bricks and mortar are porous surfaces which only add to the problem.
To prevent mold in your home, be sure to check these areas regularly for excess moisture. If you suspect mold in your home, be sure to have a mold test conducted by a professional mold remediation company in Southwest Florida. For all your mold issues, trust Catalyst Mold Solutions!
1. Basements, Cellars & Crawl Spaces.
Probably the most common of places to find mold is in the basement, cellar or crawl space. When a building floods, the lowest level gets the brunt of the water damage. In addition, basements are typically cold and dark, presenting the opportunity for mold to thrive is moisture gets down there. There's typically not great air circulation in a basement, making it difficult to dry out.
2. In Bathrooms & Kitchens.
Think about the areas of your home where water (and moisture) is most prevalent. The bathroom and the kitchen probably come to mind. Between the sink, shower and toilet, there's no avoiding moisture in the bathroom. Therefore, it's vital that you have proper air circulation in your bathroom. The same applies for the kitchen. Whether it's steam from the shower or from cooking on the stove, that evaporating water can lead to unwanted moisture and an environment for mold to form.
3. Attics.
Many homes do not have proper ventilation, which can lead to moisture build up in the attic. Where there is prolonged moisture, mold is likely to grow. Improper insulation and/or vents that are vented to the attic instead of outside can both cause excess moisture to build up in the attic.
4. Behind & Under Refrigerators.
The drip pans used to collect condensation for refrigerators are rarely seen, but they are the perfect environment for mold to start and spread. There's not a lot of air circulation underneath or behind the refrigerator. Condensation can easily build up, creating the dark, moist environment that mold loves.
5. Around Air-Conditioning Units.
Condensation is also common on air-conditioning units. That moisture mixed with the dirt and pollen that the AC unit sucks in creates an attractive place for mold to form. Machines that sit for a long time without being used will be most likely to contain mold spores.
6. In and Around Window Sills.
Windows are constantly subject to moisture from condensation. Typically the only time window sills get decent air flow is during the warmer months, when they open to let fresh air in. This creates a prime place for mold to start to grow and spread onto the walls. In addition, the dirt that accumulates in the grooves of the window sill supplies the mold with a food source so they can grow faster.
7. Under Carpeting or Rugs.
Moisture from concrete floors or wet crawl spaces can evaporate up into your carpet pad and eventually your carpet. If you notice your carpet is damp, and you didn't just spill something on it, you likely have mold already growing underneath it. This is why if your home floods, it's important to remove the wet carpet immediately; mold is inevitable in that situation.
8. Near Washing Machines.
Similar to the refrigerator issues, washing machines offer an environment for mold to develop as well. They are typically stored in dark closets or small rooms that don't typically have a lot of air circulation. Moisture from a leak in the unit or the water line, around the connections, can lead to excess moisture. In addition, the gasket is constantly wet and doesn't have an opportunity to dry out with the door closed, which can lead to mold inside the washing machine.
9. Around Chimneys.
Depending on how well your chimney is capped off, this is an area that can also see some mold growth. Uncapped chimneys can take in a good amount of rain water and snow. Plus leaves and other organic materials can also get in there to help create the perfect conditions for mold growth. The bricks and mortar are porous surfaces which only add to the problem.
To prevent mold in your home, be sure to check these areas regularly for excess moisture. If you suspect mold in your home, be sure to have a mold test conducted by a professional mold remediation company in Southwest Florida. For all your mold issues, trust Catalyst Mold Solutions!
Catalyst Mold Solutions: Your Permanent Solution to Mold!
Catalyst Mold Solutions
1217 Cape Coral Parkway East
Cape Coral, FL 33904
Phone: 866-343-6653
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